John Hartson has responded to reports that suggest Brendan Rodgers would decide to target a custodian for Celtics this summer.
The Hoops are reportedly in a fierce competition with Newcastle United, Liverpool, and a few Saudi Arabian teams to recruit Alex McCarthy of Southampton, whose contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
This season, the former England international has made seven appearances across all competitions. Against West Bromwich Albion [Transfermarkt], in the first leg of the Saints Championship play-off semi-final, he kept a clean sheet.
McCarthy’s skills are reportedly “absolutely staggering,” and in 2013 Brendan Rodgers at Reading reportedly considered signing him. This information is reported by BBC Sport.
If younger goalie targets prove difficult to come by, the Irishman might think about bringing in another seasoned player to Parkhead to fill the vacuum left by Joe Hart in the goalie booth as he nears retirement.
Given this, former Celtic striker John Hartson has evaluated the links and the likelihood of his previous team’s attempt to sign a new top player in the upcoming window.
John Hartson on the state of goalkeeping at Celtic
Undoubtedly, Hart will be a tough replacement for Celtic after he played his 150th game for the team against Rangers last weekend.
Hartson, nevertheless, isn’t sure that McCarthy will be Rodgers’ lone stopper when the summer transfer window opens, stating that a number of goalkeepers might become possible candidates to take on the esteemed position.
“I think Brendan Rodgers will look at a number of goalkeepers; we know Joe Hart is calling it a day, and I think they’ll work with their recruitment people,” the Welshman said on the Go Radio Football Show. They will undoubtedly receive a tonne of videos from goalkeepers all around the world. They will be occupied trying to get them to Celtic by their representatives.
Following Paul Cooney’s suggestion that Fraser Forster’s name may be included, Hartson continued, saying, “They know Fraser Forster really well.” I’m not sure because if a goalie isn’t playing for Spurs, he’s not playing, therefore in my opinion, Celtic will be faced with ten goalkeepers this summer, and Brendan Rodgers will have to choose between one or two of them.
“Jose Hart is a great example of someone with extensive experience; he’s been there, seen it all, and done it all. In his short time at Celtic, he’s been fantastic.” He’s connected to this player, that player, and over the summer, they’ll be connected to 100 players, as I mentioned.
Celtic needs to carefully consider who will replace Joe Hart. It’s all well and good to say that Hart should leave, but losing a player with his calibre of play and winning mentality will be felt deeply in the dressing room. Without Hart’s impact, Celtic wouldn’t be in the running for the title this season. He’s made crucial saves in recent months, earning invaluable points along the way. A plethora of goalkeepers and their representatives will vie for Hart’s job, so Rodgers needs to find someone who can emulate his style in goal.
